Inmarsat C
FURUNO
Refurbished
Manufacturer: FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd.
Country of Origin: Japan
Model: FELCOM 15
Product Type: Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station (MES)
Terminal Unit: IC-215
Antenna Unit: IC-115
Communication Type: Two-way satellite data / messaging
Marine Application: GMDSS distress and safety communication, EGC reception, ship-to-shore messaging, data reporting and maritime satellite communications
Power Supply: 12–24 VDC
FURUNO's official documentation describes the FELCOM 15 as an Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station providing distress and general communication services over the Inmarsat-C network. The basic system consists primarily of an antenna and terminal unit.
The FURUNO FELCOM 15 is a professional shipboard satellite communication terminal developed for the Inmarsat-C network. It was widely installed aboard merchant vessels for reliable long-range text and data communication as well as maritime safety functions.
The system supports distress message handling, EGC (Enhanced Group Call), SafetyNET/FleetNET reception, polling, data reporting, telex and e-mail-related services. FURUNO also offered configurations and accessories allowing the system to form part of a GMDSS installation.
FURUNO now lists FELCOM 15 as “No Longer Available,” making functioning replacement terminal units, antennas and associated spare parts particularly relevant for vessels maintaining existing installations.
FELCOM 15 is an Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station designed for digital satellite communication between a vessel and shore-based communication networks.
Unlike broadband satellite terminals, Inmarsat-C is fundamentally a low-data-rate store-and-forward communication system. Messages transmitted by the ship are routed through the satellite system and a Land Earth Station before delivery to their destination.
An important part of the system is its EGC receiver. EGC allows maritime safety and other group-addressed information to be broadcast to ships. SafetyNET is used for maritime safety information, while FleetNET can distribute information to selected groups of vessels.
Most importantly, a correctly configured GMDSS installation provides distress communication functions in which distress traffic receives priority.
FELCOM 15 supports the principal Inmarsat-C services required for shipboard messaging and data communication.
When installed with the required configuration and peripherals, the system can support GMDSS distress and safety communication functions.
The integrated EGC capability allows vessels to receive important maritime safety broadcasts.
The terminal provides dedicated distress functionality for emergency communications.
Operational messages and other data can be exchanged between ship and shore.
FELCOM 15 documentation specifies a shipboard LAN connection using Ethernet 10Base-T, expanding its communication possibilities with compatible shipboard computers.
An internal GPS receiver was available as an option. Official specifications identify a 12-channel all-in-view GPS receiver.
The antenna does not require the mechanical tracking arrangements found in many higher-bandwidth maritime satellite systems.
According to FURUNO technical documentation:
| Specification | FELCOM 15 |
|---|---|
| Transmitting Frequency | 1626.5–1646.5 MHz |
| Receiving Frequency | 1530.0–1545.0 MHz |
| Antenna | Omnidirectional |
| Modulation | BPSK |
| Modulation Rate | 1200 sps |
| Transmission Speed | 600 bps |
| G/T | Better than -23 dB/K at 5° elevation |
| EIRP | 12–16 dBW at 5° elevation |
| Terminal Power | 12–24 VDC |
| Internal GPS | 12-channel, optional |
| Antenna Protection | IPX6 |
The terminal requires approximately 13.0–5.0 A during transmission and 1.7–0.9 A during reception, depending on supply voltage.
The IC-215 is the principal below-deck terminal equipment associated with FELCOM 15.
It handles communication processing and connections to the antenna and peripheral equipment. The IC-215 nameplate identifies it as an Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station terminal manufactured by FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd., Japan.
The recognizable white-and-blue IC-115 antenna is installed above deck with a suitable unobstructed view of the sky.
It is an omnidirectional antenna designed for Inmarsat-C satellite communication.
The operator interface provides the crew with access to message preparation, transmission, reception, EGC information, terminal status and system configuration.
A dedicated keyboard facilitates preparation of messages and terminal operation.
GMDSS configurations can incorporate dedicated distress controls and associated alarm equipment, allowing emergency communication to be initiated according to the approved installation.
A compatible printer may be included in the GMDSS configuration to provide hard copies of received safety information and communication records.
Where required, an AC/DC rectifier provides suitable DC power from the vessel's AC electrical system. FURUNO documentation identifies the optional PR-240-CE rectifier.
The FELCOM 15 has been widely applicable to commercial vessels including:
Typical operational applications include distress communications, maritime safety information reception, ship-to-shore messaging, operational reporting, position reporting, company communication and EGC reception.
Check the vessel's 12/24 VDC supply, circuit protection, DC connector and grounding.
If correct power reaches the IC-215 but the terminal remains inactive, internal power-supply or PCB troubleshooting may be necessary.
Possible causes include antenna problems, coaxial cable damage, poor connections, terminal configuration problems or internal transmitter/receiver faults.
Inspect the antenna installation and associated cable before replacing the terminal.
Check whether the terminal is properly logged into the appropriate ocean region and verify EGC settings and position information.
Incorrect or unavailable vessel position data can affect geographically addressed safety-message reception.
Inspect the IC-115 antenna, antenna connector and cable.
Above-deck equipment is exposed to salt, vibration, heat and weather. Connector corrosion and water ingress can cause intermittent or complete communication failure.
If an internal or external navigation source is used, check GPS reception and navigation-data connections.
The official specification supports an optional internal GPS board as well as an IEC 61162-1 navigation-data interface.
Older FELCOM 15 units may develop LCD, keyboard, connector or internal electronic faults after long service.
Before replacing the complete system, determine whether the problem is isolated to the operator interface, terminal electronics or power supply.
Any fault affecting a GMDSS distress function should be treated seriously. Check the terminal's alarm/status indications and follow the vessel's approved GMDSS maintenance procedures.
Distress-system repairs and operational verification should be carried out by suitably qualified marine radio/GMDSS personnel.
Routine preventive maintenance can considerably improve the reliability of an existing FELCOM 15 installation.
Keep the terminal clean, dry and properly ventilated. Inspect power connectors, earth connections and communication cables for corrosion or looseness.
The IC-115 antenna and antenna cable deserve particular attention because they are exposed to severe marine conditions. Inspect the radome for physical damage and check cable entries for signs of water ingress.
Periodically verify:
Never initiate a real distress alert simply to test the equipment. Follow the approved test procedure in the operator documentation and the vessel's GMDSS procedures.
The FELCOM 15 has been discontinued by FURUNO, but many existing vessels were built with the system fully integrated into their GMDSS and communications arrangements. FURUNO's current support page confirms that FELCOM 15 is no longer available as a new product.
For an existing installation, replacement can involve more than changing one terminal. Antenna cabling, distress controls, printers, power supplies, navigation-data interfaces and regulatory commissioning may also be involved.
Consequently, tested IC-215 terminal units, IC-115 antennas and compatible FELCOM 15 spare parts can remain useful for maintenance of existing vessels, subject to class, flag-state and applicable GMDSS requirements.
For new installations or major upgrades, current type-approved equipment should normally be considered.
FELCOM 15 is an Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station designed for shipboard satellite messaging, data communication, EGC reception and GMDSS-related functions.
It was manufactured by FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd., Japan.
The terminal unit is IC-215.
A common FELCOM 15 configuration uses the FURUNO IC-115 omnidirectional antenna.
Yes. Its Inmarsat-C/EGC functionality supports maritime safety information reception.
The IC-215 terminal operates from 12–24 VDC.
No. FURUNO currently lists FELCOM 15 as No Longer Available and points customers toward newer equipment.
Potentially, particularly for repair of an existing installation, but exact model compatibility, equipment condition, programming/configuration and applicable GMDSS/type-approval requirements must be checked before installation.
FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station is a professional marine satellite communication system manufactured by FURUNO Electric Co., Ltd., Japan. It supports Inmarsat-C messaging, GMDSS distress communication, EGC/SafetyNET reception, polling, data reporting and ship-to-shore communication. Major components include the IC-215 Terminal Unit, IC-115 Antenna Unit, operator display/keyboard and optional GMDSS peripherals.
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